President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged voters in Osun State to turn out for Saturday’s governorship election and freely vote for candidates of their choice, assuring them of adequate security.
Tinubu gave the assurance during the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign finale in Osogbo on Thursday, where he was represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The President appealed to political parties and their supporters to shun violence, intimidation and harassment before, during and after the election.
“Feel very free to cast your votes for the candidate of your choice,” Tinubu said, while urging voters to “choose wisely.”
He also expressed confidence in the APC’s chances, saying the large turnout at the campaign demonstrated growing support for the party in the state.
Akpabio, who formally presented the APC flag to the party’s governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, said Tinubu would not tolerate actions capable of undermining Nigeria’s democracy.
He urged Oyebamiji, if elected, to prioritise infrastructure development and improve the living conditions of Osun residents.
The APC candidate promised to run an inclusive administration and thanked the party’s leadership and supporters for backing his campaign.
Meanwhile, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke condemned recent killings and destruction of property in Esa-Oke and directed increased security deployment to the area.
Ahead of the poll, Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu also barred state government security outfits, quasi-security groups and private security organisations from participating in election-security operations.
The police said the directive was in line with established election-security guidelines aimed at ensuring a peaceful and credible poll.
The APC campaign finale attracted several governors, party leaders and thousands of supporters, while some opposition figures, including former presidential candidate of the Accord Party, Chris Imumolen, declared support for Oyebamiji.
The Osun governorship election is scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026.
